WASCO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
MINUTES
August 13, 2007– 7:00 P.M.
746 8th Street, Wasco, California
CALL TO ORDER by Vice Chairman Santillan at 7:03 p.m.
FLAG SALUTE and INVOCATION led by Vice Chairman Santillan
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners: Arredondo, Drescher, Forrest, German, Mitchell, and Santillan
Absent: Chairperson Brown
Staff: Planning Director Raper, Senior Planner McNamara and Secretary Lopez
5. AWARDS AND PRESENTATIONS - None
6. HEARING FROM PUBLIC ON ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA – this portion of the meeting is reserved for persons desiring to address the commission on any matter not on this agenda and over which the commission has jurisdiction. Speakers are limited to two (2) minutes.
7. AGENDA ADDITIONS/DELETIONS
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
a) Approval of Minutes July 9, 2007
b) Approve the Reading of all Resolutions by Title only
Commissioner Drescher moved to approve the Consent Calendar as submitted. Seconded by Commissioner German. All in favor, motion carried.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS – POLICY ITEMS
a) Conditional Use Permit 07-05 and Resolution- A proposal to open and operate a store featuring prepackaged non-perishable food. Location: Located at the northeast corner of Hwy 43/F Street and 4th Street; APN: 030-210-05; CEQA Determination: Categorically Exempt; Applicant: Marcela Chavez
Vice Chairperson Santillan opened the public hearing at 7:07 PM.
Senior Planner McNamara reported on the applicant’s proposal of a pre-packaged non- perishable goods store in and existing building located at the northeast corner of State Highway 43/F Street and 4th Street. The building is approximately 2,916 square feet in size. The primary access to the structure will be off of State Highway 43/F Street into a parking area located north of the building with additional area south of the building that can be utilized for parking. As a part of this project the applicant will have to bring the property up to current City codes and regulations. Staff recommends approval with recommended conditions.
Brief discussion as to Caltrans easement requirements, landscape requirements, type of goods to be sold in store and if adjacent property owners had any comments or concerns.
Condition 12 was amended to remove any future right-of-way dedication.
Senior Planner McNamara stated adjacent property owners had been notified and no comments or concerns were made.
Vice Chairperson Santillan closed the public hearing at 7:22 PM.
Commissioner Forrest moved to approve Conditional Use Permit 07-05. Seconded by Commissioner German. Motions carried with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Arredondo, Drescher, Forrest, German, Mitchell, Santillan
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Brown
Senior Planner McNamara read the title of the Resolution 07-24 – Conditional Use Permit 07-05.
Resolution 07-24-A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Wasco in the application of Marcela Chavez for pre-packaged non-perishable goods store.
b) Conditional Use Permit 07-06 and Resolution- A request to convert a single family residence into a clubhouse to serve the residents of the Las Rosas Community. Location: Located on APN 490-163-06, Township 27 South, Range 24 East. The project site is located in the Las Rosas Community (Tract 6589) which consists of detached single family dwelling units; APN: 490-163-06; CEQA Determination: Categorically Exempt; Applicant: Heller Development.
Vice Chairperson Santillan opened the public hearing at 7:24 PM.
Senior Planner McNamara reported on the applicant’s proposal to convert a single family residence into a Youth and Community Clubhouse to serve the residents of Las Rosas Community. The clubhouse will feature computer training classroom, game room, meeting room, swimming pool and a child care facility. As currently proposed the Facility will be owned and operated by Heller Development but as the Las Rosas subdivision is build out ownership could change. Staff recommends approval with recommended conditions.
Brief discussions as to what if any liability the City of Wasco would have if the developer walks away from the Facility.
Senior Planner McNamara stated that the developer would either turn it over to someone else or convert back to residence.
Discussion was also had on parking requirements as outlined and security issues.
Clint Compton – 1824 Graft, Ridgecrest spoke on behalf of Heller Development, he stated that they are in the process of pouring more concrete for parking and that the drop-off would be on the street in front of property and also they are looking into security. He also stated that if Heller Development were to back away from the Facility they would sell to a third party.
Discussion was made regarding the daycare and swimming pool also sprinkler requirements were discussed. The Commissioners asked about hours of operations.
Mr. Compton gave the hours as 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM tentatively.
Vice Chairperson Santillan closed the public hearing at 7:35 PM.
Commissioner German moved to approve Conditional Use Permit 07-06. Seconded by Commissioner Arredondo. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Arredondo, Forrest, German, Mitchell, Santillan
NOES: Commissioner Drescher
ABSENT: Commissioner Brown
Senior Planner McNamara read the title of the Resolution 07-25 – Conditional Use Permit 07-06.
Resolution 07-25-A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Wasco in the application of Heller Development for Conditional Use Permit 07-06.
c) Conditional Use Permit 07-04/Precise Development 07-02 and Resolution- A proposal to construct and operate a 59 room Best Western Hotel. Location: Located on Assessor’s Parcel Number 487-040-23 and is one part of a larger commercial development that is to be located north of State Hwy 46, west of Poplar Avenue and east of Palm Avenue; APN: 487-040-23; CEQA Determination: Negative Declaration; Applicant: Kaajal Inc.
Vice Chairperson Santillan opened the public hearing at 7:37 PM.
Commissioner Drescher recused herself due to possible conflict of interest.
Senior Planner McNamara reported on the applicant’s proposal to construct and operate a 59 room Best Western Hotel. The hotel will be 3 stories high and be 36,357 square feet in size. The proposed project will have the primary access off of N. Poplar Avenue with additional access off of State Highway 46. The access off of State Highway 46 will be determined by the Stat of California Department of Transportation. This hotel is the first of many projects that are anticipated along the Highway 46 corridor between N. Griffith Avenue and N. Palm Avenue. Additionally the applicant is requesting to have a twenty (20) foot Sanitation Easement abandoned. This easement is located at the rear of the property and extends westerly through the adjacent parcels created by
Parcel Map 10556. An Addendum was added with comments from Kern County Environmental Health Services Department and The Gas Company. Staff recommends approval with recommended conditions.
Commissioner Forrest asked if there would be truck parking, seeing as Highway 46 is largely used by truck drivers and that this may be beneficial to them.
Sam Patel, resident of 7005 Colony Park Drive, Bakersfield, spokesman for Kaajal, Inc., stated that they did not anticipate truck drivers using their hotel due to the cost of rooms.
Discussion by Commissioners regarding payment of Highway 46 Traffic Study by some applicants and not all. Senior Planner McNamara informed Commissioners that they may add recommendations to projects as parts of conditions. Mr. Patel stated that since they will not have a drive approach on Highway 46 only on North Poplar Avenue that this should be taken into consideration as he is incurring the cost of developing North Poplar Avenue for his project, however, he would be willing to pay his share of the cost of the study if that is what is required.
Roger Steven resident, Bakersfield, Project Architect explained that they will work with City staff on all conditions required.
Richard Cereola resident 5752 Country Club Parkway, Red Roof Inn Developer questioned the abandonment of the rear easement and how it may affect his project as this easement is a condition of his project and was placed there for sanitation trucks
and also who would incur the cost. Planning Director Raper assured Mr. Cereolo that a plan had been put into place for this and that his trash pick up would still be on the north end of his project.
Vice Chairperson Santillan closed the public hearing at 8:03 PM.
Commissioner German moved to approve Conditional Use Permit 07-04/Precise Development 07-02 with an added condition to item 16 of Conditions of Approval that Kaajal, Inc. share in cost of Highway 46 Traffic Study. Seconded by Commissioner Forrest. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Arredondo, German, Forrest, Mitchell, Santillan
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Brown
Senior Planner McNamara read the title of the Resolution 07-26 – Conditional Use Permit 07-04/ Precise Development 07-02 with added condition.
Resolution 07-26-A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Wasco in the application of Kajaal, Inc. for Conditional Use Permit 07-04/Precise Development 07-02 with added condition.
d) Precise Development 07-01 and Resolution- A Precise Development Plan for 3,486 foot restaurant with a 303 square foot outside dining area. Location: Located on Assessor’s Parcel Number 487-040-27 and is located at northeast corner of Highway 46 and Palm Avenue; APN: 487-040-27; Applicant: Balwinder Joshan.
Vice Chairperson Santillan opened the public hearing at 8:06 PM.
Senior Planner McNamara reported on the applicant’s proposal to construct and operate 3,486 square foot restaurant with a 303 square foot outside dining area. The primary access to the restaurant will be from an existing drive approach off of State Highway 46. Staff recommends approval with recommended conditions.
Commissioner Forrest asked if the restaurant would have separate meeting rooms.
Roger Stevens Project Architect stated the restaurant would have a small banquet/ meeting room.
Commissioner Arredondo asked when the project would be constructed. Roger Stevens stated that once building permits have been issued they project 8 months for construction.
Vice Chairperson Santillan closed the public hearing at 8:13 PM.
Commissioner Forrest moved to approve Precise Development 07-01. Seconded by Commissioner Drescher. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Arredondo, Drescher, Forrest, German, Mitchell, Santillan
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Brown
Senior Planner McNamara read the title of the Resolution 07-27 – Precise Development 07-01.
Resolution 07-27-A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Wasco in the application of Joshan Balwinder for Precise Development 07-01.
e) Tentative Tract 6533 Extension and Resolution- A request for an extension of two (2) years for Tentative Tract 6533. Location: One quarter (1/4) mile north of Highway 46 and southeast of the intersection of Poplar and Margalo Avenues;
APN: 487-040-08, Applicant: Billon Enterprises. (Continued from July 9, 2007 meeting)
Vice Chairperson Santillan opened the public hearing at 8:15 PM.
Commissioner Drescher recused herself due to possible conflict of interest.
Senior Planner McNamara reported the request for Tentative Tract 6533 was approved by the Planning Commission on July 11, 2005. The approved subdivision is sixty eight (68) lots with an average lot size of 6,000 square feet. Per the State of California Subdivision Map Act, Section 66452, the initial life of a tentative map is two (2) years. Prior to the end of this two (2) year life, the applicant may request an extension of time for the map. The local governing agency (Planning Commission), upon the completion of the public hearing can either approve or deny the applicant’s request.
Should the Planning Commission approve the request for a two (2) year time extension said approval shall be subject to all conditions previously imposed upon the map and all previously adopted mitigation measures shall remain in effect.
Brief discussion was held among commissioners regarding paving of Margalo and number of extensions the applicant may ask for.
Senior Planner McNamara reported that the developer just west of Margalo will develop that street.
Planning Director Raper stated that an applicant may request an extension four times.
Vice Chairperson Santillan closed the public hearing at 8:21 PM.
Commissioner German moved to approve Tentative Tract 6533 Extension. Seconded by Commissioner Arredondo. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Arredondo, Forrest, German, Mitchell, Santillan
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Brown
Senior Planner McNamara read the title of Resolution 07-28 – Tentative Tract 6533 Extension.
Resolution 07-28-A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Wasco in the application of San Joaquin Engineering for Tentative Tract 6533 Extension.
f) Tentative Tract 6608 Extension and Resolution- A request for an extension of one (1) year for Tentative Tract 6608. Location: Approximately 330 feet west of the northwest corner of the intersection of Palm Avenue and Poso Drive; APN: 488-060-06; CEQA Determination: Categorically exempt; Applicant: San Joaquin Engineering on behalf of Hector Delgado.
Vice Chairperson Santillan opened the public hearing at 8:23 PM
Senior Planner McNamara reported Tentative Tract 6608 was approved by the Planning Commission on October 10, 2005. The approved subdivision is eight (8) lots with an average lot size of 7,400 square feet. Per the State of California Subdivision Map Act, Section 66452, the initial life of a tentative map is two (2) years. Prior to the end of this two (2) year life, the applicant may request an extension of time for the map. The local governing agency (Planning Commission), upon the completion of the public hearing can either approve or deny the applicant’s request.
Should the Planning Commission approve the request for a one (1) year time extension said approval shall be subject to all conditions previously imposed upon the map and all previously adopted mitigation measures shall remain in effect.
Brief discussion was held among commissioners regarding location and appeal process if denied.
Vice Chairperson Santillan closed the public hearing at 8:25 PM.
Commissioner German moved to approve Tentative Tract 6608 Extension. Seconded by Commissioner Drescher. Motion carried with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Arredondo, Drescher, Forrest, German, Mitchell, Santillan
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Brown
Senior Planner McNamara read the title of Resolution 07-29 – Tentative Tract 6608 One (1) Year Extension.
Resolution 07-29-A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Wasco in the application of San Joaquin Engineering for Tentative Tract 6608 Extension.
g) Tentative Tract 6609 Extension and Resolution- A request for an extension of one (1) year for Tentative Tract 6609. Location: The northwest corner of 7th Place and D Street; APN: 030-332-07, 08; CEQA Determination: Categorically Exempt; Applicant: San Joaquin Engineering on behalf of Hector Delgado.
Vice Chairperson Santillan opened the public hearing at 8:26 PM.
Senior Planner McNamara reported Tentative Tract 6609 was approved by the Planning Commission on October 10, 2005. The approved subdivision is five (5) lots with an average lot size of 6,250 square feet. Per the State of California Subdivision Map Act, Section 66452, the initial life of a tentative map is two (2) years. Prior to the end of this two (2) year life, the applicant may request an extension of time for the map. The local governing agency (Planning Commission), upon the completion of the public hearing can either approve or deny the applicant’s request.
Should the Planning Commission approve the request for a one (1) year time extension said approval shall be subject to all conditions previously imposed upon the map and all previously adopted mitigation measures shall remain in effect.
No discussion.
Vice Chairperson Santillan closed the public hearing at 8:28 PM.
Commissioner Arredondo moved to approve Tentative Tract 6609 Extension. Seconded by Commissioner Drescher. Motion approved with the following vote:
AYES: Commissioners: Arredondo, Drescher, Forrest, German, Mitchell, Santillan
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Brown
Senior Planner McNamara read the title of Resolution 07-30 – Tentative Tract 6609 Extension.
Resolution 07-30-A Resolution of the Planning Commission of the City of Wasco in the application for Tentative Tract 6609 One (1) Year Extension.
10. INFORMATION ITEMS
a) Approved City Council Minutes for review
b) Linking Land Use and Water in the San Joaquin Valley Workshop
c) Draft Rose City Industrial Park Timeline
11. PLANNING DIRECTOR’S REPORTS
Jake Raper, Planning Director, commented on the timeline for the EIR and the upcoming public hearings, Director Raper will look to staff to assist the commissioners through the process he also stated that the City Attorney would be involved in the public hearings as well as City Staff. He discussed the possibility of opposition of the EIR by different agencies.
12. COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS
Commissioner Forrest asked about the status of the Ethanol plant. Senior Planner McNamara that the City will analyze the project. Commissioner Arredondo asked if the project had gone to LAFCO yet, both Director Raper and Senior McNamara stated that it had not gone to LAFCO yet.
Commissioner German asked about the time frame of hiring a permanent planning director, Director Raper stated the City Manager is negotiating with a prospective hire and that person would possibly be in the office by September 30.
13. ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Forrest moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Drescher. All in favor, motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.
Jake Raper, Planning Director
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